When I think back on childhood, I think of you. I think of our adventures into “the ditch” which we saw as magical but it was really just a disgusting foresty area behind our houses. I think of that time we tried to make the longest string phone ever between our houses but realized it wouldn’t work because sound can only travel when there’s not a corner to cut. I think of that time we bought walkie talkies at Ross and tried to communicate with them when we had to go home after being together for days. I think of that time we danced in front all those people at your mom’s giant 40th birthday party and then thought we met the real Elvis. I think of that time we pretended to adopt pet rocks and made a slideshow video about it with sentimental music running in the background. I think of that time you told me your mom was pregnant when nobody was supposed to know that, and I got you in more trouble than you deserved. I think of that time your dad taught me how to play Texas Hold’em. I think of that time I was mad because you copied my little Red Riding Hood Halloween costume, but really you just wanted to be cute with me. I think of that time we made fake Caprisun commercials, thinking they were the funniest things out there. I think of that time we went to North Springs High School just to sled down that giant hill and then going in donuts in your dad’s jeep. I think of those times people would always come up to us asking if we were sisters. I think of that time we would talk about how we would each be in each other’s weddings one day when we grow up.

When I think of summer, I think of you. I think of our late nights at the pool, catching fireflies and taking them home in jars, hoping they wouldn’t die (but always did). I think of selling slushies in front of the pool and you running after a stupid boy because he was annoying me. I think of going around the neighborhood with you on my motorscooter, trying to avoid your brother asking to come join. I think of getting out a magnifying glass and starting a fire on my driveway, thinking we were geniuses. I think of that summer you moved houses temporarily to be even closer to me and cutting through that neighbor's house who probably got so annoyed with the both of us. I think of sticking sticks into the pond in my backyard thinking that somehow we could catch a fish. I think of that time we went to cooking camp and when it was done we cooked meals together for both of our entire families. I think of running our own summer camp for kids while we at the same time were still kids.

Then, I realize how old we have gotten. I realize that we’ve been friends for 15 years. I remember talking about how old we would be when I head off to college, and how we couldn’t be together 24/7 anymore, but also how much time we had left. But weirdly enough, it’s here now.

The reason I can look back so fondly on my childhood is because of you. In high school, we tried our best to keep up our friendship. It was hard, especially with being a grade apart, growing up with different friends and in different ways. At times I felt like I lost you, but the thing about a childhood best friend is that you are someone I know will always remain in my life, no matter how much time goes by that we don’t see or talk to each other. You are a part of me, and we always find our way back to each other. After all, you’re only a few houses down.

And now here we are, spending our last summer together -- the summer we never thought would come. We are making the most of the last bits of time we have left together. We have both changed so much, but at the same time our friendship hasn’t. We may not catch fireflies or sell lemonade on the side of the road anymore, but you are still the same old best friend I had back then who I still make the best memories with. We have countless memories and will still make countless more.

I’m so beyond thankful and lucky to have someone like you in my life -- to have someone who has never left my side. You are one of the biggest blessings in my life and you will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you and can't wait for the many more years of our friendship.